It takes effort to maintain a house, and it helps to know good contractors.
Curt Nelson is a great plumber – I recommend him to everyone!
See other recommended vendors in the right-hand column >>>>>>
Jim Klinge
Klinge Realty Group
Are you looking for an experienced agent to help you buy or sell a home?
Contact Jim the Realtor!
CA DRE #01527365, CA DRE #00873197
Karen PhillipsJune 13, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jim & Donna Klinge helped us sell our home of 30 years in Ocean Hills. We were very happy with their service and would HIGHLY recommend them to anyone looking for an Honest, Knowledgeable, Skilled, Informed Efficient realty team. Both Jim & Donna were so helpful in different ways and complemented each others skills. Please refer to a more detailed review that we wrote on YELP. Thank You Both for all your help!!! Jesse O'HaraJune 12, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A+ thank you Lisa TuomiJune 11, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Many years ago, we purchased a home in Carlsbad, using a realtor that was recommended to us - Jim Klinge. Fast forward to 2025, we recently had the privilege of selling 2 homes in Carlsbad, CA and didn't hesitate to reach out to Jim and Donna Klinge of Klinge Realty Group to guide us through the sales. The transactions were very different, each with its own unique situation, opportunities and challenges. From start to finish, Donna and Jim helped navigate the pre-sale preparation, the listing, showing of the house, buyer negotiations, the final close and all of the paperwork and decisions in between. What stands out with both transactions is the professionalism of Jim and Donna (and their team), wonderful communication (timely, relevant, concise), their deep understanding of market dynamics (setting realistic expectations), their access to top-notch contractors, and last, their ability to guide us across the finish line successfully. We wouldn't hesitate to use Jim and Donna in the future and highly recommend them for anyone looking to buy or sell a property in North San Diego County. Jerry MeyerMarch 28, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We sold a home with Jim and Donna and from beginning to end they were consummate professionals. Their initial walk through the property resulted in a list of items to be repaired or updated. They supplied a list of vendors and job quotes to do the repairs and updates. We originally wanted to sell ‘as is’ and just get it over with. They gave us a selling price for ‘as is’ and options for doing a few updates/repairs to doing it all with the selling price for each option. We agreed to do all they suggested and we sold for the exact price they predicted. For every dollar spent we got back more than $2 back in the selling price. And they got that price in a rising interest rate environment! Donna and Jim are extremely detailed and guide you through ever aspect of the sale. There were no surprises thanks to their guidance. We couldn’t be more pleased with their representation. Thank you Donna and Jim, Jerry and Mary Heather QuejadaMarch 27, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have known Jim & Donna Klinge for over a dozen years, having met them in Carlsbad where our children went to the same school. As long time North County residents, it was a no- brainer for us to have the Klinges be our eyes and ears for San Diego real estate in general and North County in particular. As my military career caused our family to move all over the country and overseas to Asia, Europe and the Pacific, we trusted Jim and Donna to help keep our house in Carlsbad rented with reliable and respectful tenants for over 10 years. Naturally, when the time came to sell our beloved Carlsbad home to pursue a rural lifestyle in retirement out of California, we could think of no better team to represent us than Jim and Donna. They immediately went to work to update our house built in 2004 to current-day standards and trends — in 2 short months they transformed it into a literal modern-day masterpiece. We trusted their judgement implicitly and followed 100% of their recommended changes. When our house finally came on the market, there was a blizzard of serious interest, we had multiple offers by the third day and it sold in just 5 days after a frenzied bidding war for 20% above our asking price! The investment we made in upgrades recommended by Jim and Donna yielded a 4-fold return, in the process setting a new high water mark for a house sold in our community. In our view, there are no better real estate professionals in all of San Diego than Jim and Donna Klinge. Buying or selling, you must run and beg Jim and Donna Klinge to represent you! Our family will never forget Jim, Donna, and their whole team at Compass — we are forever grateful to them. Lou FMarch 27, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. WeI had the pleasure of working with Klinge Realty Group to sell our home in Carmel Valley, and I cannot recommend them highly enough! Jim and Donna demonstrated exceptional professionalism, offering expert guidance on market conditions and pricing strategy, which resulted in a quick and successful sale. Communication was prompt and we were well-informed throughout the entire process. For anyone looking for a dedicated and knowledgeable real estate team, look no further! --- William SamsMarch 25, 2025Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Donna and Jim Klinge of Klinge Realty Group have our highest possible recommendation. From Donna and Jim’s first visit to our house through closing their advice and counsel was candid and honest in all dealings. They kept us fully informed throughout the process. The house sold less than three days after listing with a two-week closing. My wife and I have sold several houses during our lives. This was by far the best experience. Klinge Reality is a premium service realtor. You can’t make a better choice for someone to sell your home fast and for top dollar. Emily HernandezDecember 29, 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Donna and Jim provided exceptional support and professionalism throughout the entire process. We couldn't have been happier with their efforts. They made our house shine, and thanks to their expertise, it sold above the listing price in the very first weekend! Truly a fantastic experience from start to finish. Jesus Adrian SahagunNovember 11, 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This year has been difficult on our family, mainly due to having to sell our home. Thankfully we knew God had a plan for us and working with the Klinge team was a key part of it. It was an obvious decision to work with them again after such an amazing experience when purchasing the same home we needed to sell. The challenge was, how will we do this in so little time with so much going on? Jim and Donna held our hand every step of the way. Whenever an unexpected issue arose they found and provided a solution. Never once did we feel pressured to make a decision and the Klinges were always reassuring after providing the information that the decision was ours to make. Despite the curve balls, they never panicked and exemplified the “can do” attitude, making us feel optimistic and taken care of. Their expertise and professionalism was superb. But of all the reasons to work with the Klinges, the most impactful and valuable is their compassion and genuine care for their clients. We pray that we can one day purchase our forever home and you better believe that Jim and Donna will be representing us - as long as they will have us of course. Thank you again Klinge team! Your execution, experience, and care are unmatched. SABIHA PASHAJuly 23, 2024Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jim and Donna were fantastic! Jim understanding my needs, recommending potential places, pointing out the pros and cons of each property was invaluable. Then when the offer was accepted Donna’s organized guidance through the inspections, paperwork etc made the whole process seem effortless. So grateful that I had them on my side!Load more
Great stuff, as always. The info on the pros & cons of tankless was great, as well as the advancements in the tank-based systems.
Good info about the tankless systems.
I’m told that in some areas code requires that a pan with a drain be installed under the new tank when replacing a water heater. Seems like a good idea if it will reduce the water damage when there is a leak.
Hot water heaters have sure gotten pricey. Have you guys seen the prices of tires? OMG Inflation is only running at 2% though they say.
Jim you seem like a good handyman, could you have done that job yourself?
Great video! Does Curt prefer Rheem for electric water heaters as well?
1500 – 2000? See homedepot.com for an assortment of Rheem tankless water heaters you can buy for 1200. I’m happy that you finally got around to pointing out the retrofit vs new price difference. His original 2300 price includes a number of improvements to the existing conditions . New construction wouldn’t have these additional costs (AND you can get a unit for 1200). I’d happily deal with this very minor maintenance for the added efficiency (btw. maintenance you’re supposed to do to all water heaters). I imagine that the 15 year pay-off is quite a bit shorter if the quoted price was better. And hey, if a tankless fails you don’t have a giant tank of water running all over your garage!
You should probably lay off the coffee, or cut it back to a cup or two?
Curt rules around our house as he did all the plumbing on our bath remodel at this home and our last home. Jim, water heater replacing is just a good old fun way to start your day with a $1k hole in your wallet!
If water is shut off for an extended period, you have the water in your tank for as long as it will last. If you go tankless, you do not. Has anyone ever thought of replumbing to use a tank, not to heat, but to hold water to then go into the tankless heater? It could be the best of choices is you are replacing a tank not because it is too old, but because you want the benefits of tankless.
Been there, done that. Thanks to Jim, Curt did a great replacement for us a few years ago.
Lady next door came over and asked me if I could shut off the water to her broken water heater. I did and soon her plumber showed up. She is having one of these installed today. http://www.eternalwaterheater.com/products.html
$3,500.00 installed. Not bad as a replacement for a duel tank system with significant cost reduction on her gas bill estimated to be a third. AND some government cheese.
Scary prices! South African made 30 gallon electric water heater $250, 3 connections, inlet with pressure regulator,outlet, over pressure safety valve outlet and drip tray with evacuation pipe. You can fit it yourself in 2 hours, less if its the same make and model as the one you are replacing.
Gas tankless heaters, $380, made in Germany(Junkers) built in pressure regulator, 3 pipes, inlet,outlet and gas, also about 2 hours to fit. Sounds like it is better to be an American plumber than a doctor or real estate agent 😀